St. Paul`s UMC The Paulinian

St. Paul’s UMC
The Paulinian
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
July – August 2013
Psalm 23
23The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green
pastures: he leadeth me beside
the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me
in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art
with me; thy rod and thy staff
they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the
Lord for ever.
Special Summer Paulinian
in Memory of Donna J. Albert
From the Family:
Perhaps you sent a lovely card
Or sat quietly in a chair.
Perhaps you sent a funeral spray,
If so, we saw it there.
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words,
As any friend could say.
Perhaps you were not there at all,
Just thought of us that day.
Whatever you did to console our hearts,
We thank you so much whatever the part.
John 14:1-3, 18-19, 25-27
1 “Do not let your hearts
be troubled.
Believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father’s house there are
many dwelling places.
If it were not so,
would I have told you that I go
to prepare a place for you?
3 And if I go and prepare a place for
you, I will come again
and will take you to myself,
so that where I am,
there you may be also.
18 I will not leave you orphaned;
I am coming to you.
19 In a little while the world will
no longer see me, but you
will see me; because I live,
you also will live.
25 I have said these things to you
while I am still with you.
26 But the Advocate,
the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will
send in my name,
will teach you everything,
and remind you of all that I have said
to you.
27 Peace I leave with you;
my peace I give to you.
I do not give to you as the world
gives. Do not let your hearts
be troubled, and do not let
them be afraid.”
From Our Pastor—
Reverend Joseph L. Upole
Grace and peace to you all from the God who creates
us in love, redeems us in love, and sustains us on
our journey in love.
This special summer edition of the Paulinian is
in honor and memory of Donna Albert
and highlights the food pantry ministry
that was her primary focus for many years.
“Donna was the only person who knew my whole story.”
These words were spoken to me by a regular user
of our Food Pantry in shocked and sad tones upon learning of
Donna’s passing. They also reminded me
of something Donna had said to me in the office
one day early in my time here at St. Paul’s.
In discussing the story of a different food pantry regular I had
remarked that Donna seemed to have the inside info and
Donna replied,
“Well, I think God gave us two ears and only one mouth for a
reason.”
Donna was a good listener.
Make no mistake; she was never shy about sharing her own
opinion. And she could be a bit crusty and extremely direct.
But more than once she would tell me that “I won’t tell you
what I’d like to say.” But the folks she regularly interacted with
through the food pantry had no problem telling her their
stories and I can’t recall even a single episode when she
rushed any of them out. She always had time for them and
their stories and truly ministered to many of them in ways we
all took for granted.
We are working to continue the food pantry ministry.
A number of our folks have stepped into the void Donna’s
passing has created. We welcome all who would like
to be more involved in the food pantry as part of their own
remembering and honoring of Donna. She can never be
replaced, but her most significant work here at St. Paul’s can,
and will, continue. I think she would like that.
Others have contributed thoughts and memories to this
special edition. I thank each of them for sharing.
I am thankful that our faith asserts that Donna’s spirit lives on.
I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity,
although all too brief, to know her and learn from her.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Joe
Romans 8:1-2, 14-16, 26-28,
31, 35, 37-39
Food Pantry
We have 4 new families since our last update.
Three of them with children with an age range
of 10yrs – 20yrs old.
We’ve also helped a total of 13 families in the past two months.
Faithful supporters can
donate food as well as cash.
We try to supply meat to many,
including Chicken, Beef, Sausages, and Hot Dogs.
A special Thank You to the following
who have really “stepped-up to the plate”
in their donated time
to organize/put food away, go shopping and make set ups
for our families in need:
Ray & RoseMarie Ramirez
Arlene Beyer
Carolyn & Al Richichi
Nancy & Esther Paugh
Jean Stricklin
If you would like to volunteer to help out in the food pantry, let us know!
“Many hands make for light work.”
1 There is therefore now
no condemnation for those
who are in Christ Jesus.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life
in Christ Jesus has set you free
from the law of sin and of death.
14 For all who are led by
the Spirit of God are children of God.
15 For you did not receive a spirit
of slavery to fall back into fear,
but you have received a spirit
of adoption when we cry,
“Abba! Father!”
16 It is that every Spirit bearing
witness with our spirit that we are
children of God,
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us
in our weakness; for we do not know
how to pray as we ought,
but that very Spirit intercedes
with sighs too deep for words.
27 And God, who searches the heart,
knows what is the mind of the Spirit,
because the Spirit intercedes
for the saints according
to the will of God.
28 We know that all things work
together for good for those
who love God, who are called
according to his purpose.
31 What then are we to say
about these things?
If God is for us, who is against us?
35 Who will separate us
from the love of Christ?
Will hardship, or distress,
or persecution, or famine, or
nakedness, or peril, or sword?
37 No, in all these things
we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us.
38 For I am convinced
that neither death, nor life, nor
angels, nor rulers, nor things present,
nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height, nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us
from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Thoughts and Ways Donna will be missed
*Her faithfulness to St. Paul’s and to the Food Pantry
(Including news about the 77 cent tuna sales!)
*Donna opening and locking up church on Sunday
(And her 3pm Sunday phone calls to see if we double-checked
that she “blew out the candles”)
Donna always reminded us of
the “energizer bunny”. She was
always scurrying around doing
one thing or another for her
beloved St. Paul’s.
*So many other jobs that Donna did – that we have yet to learn about
She was a woman who wore
many different hats but her
“baby” was the food pantry.
She loved the people she
encountered and she worried
when they didn’t show up for
their food, especially when they
came regularly. It was because
of her that Ray and I learned
about the needs of the food
pantry and about how many
people depended on it for their
food source.
We are grateful for Donna’s life
and her faithful service to St. Paul’s.
She has been an inspiration and a model for all of us
to follow in doing Christ’s work.
God’s blessings to everyone who has stepped forward
to keep Donna’s projects going at St. Paul’s.
When we would go to Florida
from January through May,
Donna always kept us informed
on all issues concerning St.
Paul’s.
*Her concern for St. Paul’s members and friends,
including daily phone calls to many –
especially the home-bound & hospital members,
friends and their families.
*Donna’s willing assistance in the church office
*Her setting up communion
*Her ushering duties, putting up hymn numbers,
greeting congregation members, filling the candles with oil, etc.
Sending our Love and Prayers,
~ Nancy & Esther Paugh
No one has ever been more worthy than Donna Albert to have earned a “special edition”
Paulinian in their memory. I’m honored to submit a remembrance but it is with a heavy
heart. I’m still not sure how we will ever make it without our Donna.
When most people think of the South Shore Food Pantry the name Donna Albert immediately
comes to mind, however; if you knew Donna for many years there was so much more.
The name Donna Albert and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church are, and will ever be,
synonymous. She kept us honest and made sure we walked a straight line.
Donna was relentless and passionate about everything she did. Donna was our “human”
St. Paul’s data system. She intuitively knew all the procedures and processes that made
the church run seamlessly. If you presented a “new” idea, Donna would be sure to remind
you that your suggestion was tried before. You would soon learn who previously thought of
it, what year, and most importantly if it worked.
On a personal level Donna Albert meant the world to me. I knew her since grade school.
She was very close to the Huber family and my first memory of Donna is while playing
in my friend Dorothy Huber’s yard. She was always yelling at us but we never felt threatened
or unwelcome. She had that special way to affectionately remind you that your actions need
to be corrected but it’s OK……. because you’re OK. When my mom died Donna took over
without a thought. I started receiving phone calls regularly to check up on the family and
make sure we were moving on and staying strong.
Donna Albert was our rock and foundation. An unknown Author wrote, “Your life may be
the only Bible some people read”. If you are reading Donna Albert’s life you will never go
wrong. She will be greatly missed!
~ Lovingly Submitted,
Janet Laverie
I believe St. Paul’s gave Donna
a reason to wake up every
morning, and was a major
reason for her existence.
We will miss seeing her sitting in
the back pew and then jumpin
up to serve as an “usherette” for
the collection, or to shut the
windows and put out the candles
at the close of the service.
We feel blessed to have known
Donna because she was the
embodiment of selfless devotion
to her church.
~ Ray & RoseMarie Ramirez
Granddaughters’ Tribute
I finally found a Nana charm that I could wear everyday
and bring with me everywhere I go.
It came with the below description of a Nana:
The beloved matriarch of the family who keeps bonds strong,
a Nana is the epitome of grace and worldly knowledge.
A Nana’s qualities are aligned with the dignified gardenia,
a sweet flower known symbolically for its pureness of heart and unconditional love.
Embrace the strong, compassionate nature of the Nana charm
in appreciation of this honored role model.
The description could not be more true.
I will cherish this forever and I will cherish you forever.
It’s so hard not to cry everyday when I still go to pick up the phone to call you.
Every day is so strange without you around or hearing your voice.
I hope you have an amazing 86th birthday in heaven with Poppy!!
There are no words to describe how much I miss you.
Love you forever and always,
~Kimberly
P.S. There’s a song that I think will ring a bell to a few that I always sing now.
I remember you always singing this to us when we were kids over and over again….
Too bad I could never describe that dance the goes along with it =)
I love you, a bushel and a peck!
A bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck!
A hug around the neck, and a barrel and heap
A barrel and a heap, and I’m talkin’ in my sleep
About you.
About you!
About you!
My Nana was known as the tough cookie with a big heart.
She was the boss lady and head honcho, especially of our family.
At church she was known formally for her work in the food pantry.
But I knew her in a way I think others would never know.
Sharing some of my favorite memories with her may bring to mind some similar ones others have shared in too.
Sitting with her in church and listening to her sing, she had a beautiful singing voice.
Telling her to “shhhhh” when she tried to whisper something to me during church service but really was loud
enough for the whole congregation to hear.
Telling her to “shhhhh” again when she threw her keys on the pew.
Watching her dance when she sang to me songs that she’s sung to me my whole life,
one of which my sister brought light to.
Talking on the phone with her for hours- sometimes just to say hi,
to tell her about a special event going on that day, or her calling me about someone I usually had no idea
who she was talking about but I was always entertained anyway.
Having sleepovers with her every Friday night until I was about 13, eating junk food and watching
our favorite television shows.
That feeling that I got every single time I was with her and she saw someone she knewshe always introduced me as “the baby, the last of the Mohegans”- I was always so proud,
and always will be, to be such an incredible woman’s granddaughter.
Closing my ears when she said hello sometimes or screamed my name in her funny high pitched voice.
Watching her yell at someone else in the most loving waylaughing because she wasn’t yelling at me and happy that she was doing it out of love
because she had so much to give.
Sincerely laughing so hard it hurt at the things she said –
There are few people I’ve met that are funnier than she was.
Sometimes she may have not meant to be funny but she still was.
Wrapping my arms around her every church service
and knowing I’ll never forget how it felt to have such an incredible Nana.
I can’t truly put into words the love I have for my Nana
and the amount of which that I miss her every day.
But, I cherish every memory I have of our time together and that I was blessed with her
as a grandmother.
Her impact on my life and the person I am today can be seen in the way I will my lifeto make her proud,
knowing she is with me every step of the way.
~Kristen Scotti
Tribute to a Dear Friend
Donna was a very special person to me.
She could be funny, serious and would also
speak her mind.
When my husband was sick, she would call
and see how we were doing
and after Mel died she continued to check on me
and offered advice.
I miss her calling, working together at the food
pantry and the fellowship we had together.
Donna also had a good memory
and I counted on her to remind me of
everything, including meetings.
~Jean Stricklin
When Hurricane Sandy hit Staten Island, a Methodist Church in Bunker Hill,
West Virginia reached out to us with the intention to help folks in our area.
Donna Albert spoke several times with Bunker Hill UMC and set up
a “partnership” with them where they, in turn, donated funding
to our Food Pantry through a “special offering” that they held
during their worship service just for us.
After their initial donation Bunker Hill UMC announced that they would
like to continue supporting our families in need.
When news of Donna’s passing got to Bunker Hill the church decided
to celebrate their connection to us through
an ice cream and toppings fellowship where the congregation got a chance
to view a picture album of Bunker Hill’s “storm” collection day and sign a
sympathy card for our beloved Donna.
I remember the first time I met Donna.
I was coming to the office to interview with Pastor Joe and George Clark but the door was locked
so I rang the bell.
Donna opened the door and gave me a stern look and said, “Can I help you?”
I stated I was there for an interview and she led me to the conference room.
She announced that I was here and showed me in.
I vaguely remember her jokingly chastising either Pastor or George, or both,
for welcoming me with such kindness claiming that they were “never like that with her”.
Over the last year I learned the “ins & outs” of how the office worked mostly from Donna.
I remember how she used to tease me as I was going to be married soon.
Like a proud grandma she would introduce me as “our Liz, our new secretary”
and followed it up with “she’s gonna get married soon!”
Donna was very good at “keeping tabs” on things.
I can’t even remember what I ate for dinner last night
and she would recall things that happened weeks ago.
She would know who needed to come into the food pantry that week before they would even call.
I don’t know how she did it.
Donna always talked about her grandchildren and the things she did for them growing up
and the traditions they still kept, like Easter baskets for each of them.
She told me about her life growing up and how she met her husband Joe
and the trials they went through as a married couple.
I always had such respect for her and thought of her as a pseudo-grandmother myself.
When Aunt Jean was away I would pick her up at her house every Tuesday and Thursday for work
and during the summer I had my step-son Curtis with me and she took to him so quickly,
and the feeling was mutual.
Curtis loved spending time with Donna and helping her with the pantry
and showing her what it was he was working on.
She always referred to him as “my buddy” or “my friend”.
“How’s my friend doing today Liz?” she would ask me.
I remember he had this rock at home and it was really shiny and he said,
“I’m gonna give this to Donna for Easter because it’s shiny and I know she likes shiny things.”
So he put it in one of his plastic Easter eggs and left it on her desk
as well as another egg with candy inside.
Donna made such a big deal over it, it was really cute to see.
She was always so thoughtful and considerate of other people.
She bought me a “Happy Mother’s Day” plant the first May I was working here
and I wasn’t even married, yet alone pregnant then.
I thought that was super sweet and it really made me feel special.
However, if you chose to be humble and try not to accept what she wanted to do for you, forget it!
She would get so insulted
and shove it at you, in that “you better take what I wanna give ya or you’re gonna get it” kind of way.
I remember trying to refuse gas money from her because honestly, how much gas could I have “wasted”
picking her up and driving her home,
and she got so flustered and raised her voice and demanded,
“Don’t you say no Liz! Take it or I’m gonna get mad at you!!” That was one thing I didn’t want,
Donna Albert MAD at me!
When I found out I was pregnant I wanted to do more than just tell her.
So when I got the first sonogram picture I decided to not say anything
and just show it to her and see what she says.
When I got to work that day she and Aunt Jean were already getting bags ready in the other room.
Aunt Jean already knew but didn’t say anything to Donna.
I walked in the room and got my usual greeting “Hello Liz!!” in a bounding voice.
Handing her the picture I said, “Look at this” she took it from me and at first I don’t think she knew what it was.
As we all know the first sonogram picture doesn’t really look like much.
Then she put her glasses on and said, “It’s a picture. A baby.”
She looked at me with such a confused look and asked, “Whose is it?”
I looked at Aunt Jean who was looking to see what I was going to do
and then Donna looked at Aunt Jean and then back at me and asked again, “Whose is it??”
Quietly, I just raised my hand.
“You’re PREGNANT!!!” she yelled
and came around the table to give me a big hug.
I’ll never forget that moment.
Donna is so greatly missed by not only me but by Curtis as well.
I’ve been to my fair share of funerals including both my parents and didn’t cry in the church.
For Donna, I cried.
She was a one-of-a-kind character and I will never forget her.
I only knew her a year but the time we spent together made it feel like I knew her since I was a little girl.
That was her doing. She made me feel that way
and I am forever grateful that God gave me the chance to know the one and only
Donna Albert.
~Liz Cutler
My Nana and Poppy passed away on these days
As they say, April showers his birthday
Bring May flowers, they passed away
On this day of May, I pray
That my Nana and Poppy may, watch over me from far
away.
May 20th, 2002
May 15th, 2013
~Michael Scotti
St. Paul’s
United Methodist Church
Non-profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Tottenville
Staten Island, New York
Permit No. 5
7558 Amboy Road
Tottenville
Staten Island, NY 10307
Church Phone: 718-227-2485
Parsonage Phone: 718-984-1542
Fax: 718-689-2004
E-mail: saintpaulsumc@verizon.net
Open Hearts,
Open Minds,
Open Doors
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Address label goes here
The Paulinian
July & August
2013
The Weekly Schedule
Choir practice @ 10am
Worship Warm-up @ 10:45am
Sunday Worship @ 11am
Sunday School @ 11am
Summer Schedule begins June 16th with worship @ 10am and No Sunday School
Communion on 1st Sunday of each month
Food Pantry open 9am - 1pm on Tuesday & Thursday
Pastor off and Office Closed on Mondays
Office open most weeks on Tuesday - Friday 9am - 2pm